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    Ola Electric Scooter Spied Testing – Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450X Rival

    Ola Electric Scooter Spied
    The Ola electric scooter will be equipped with swappable lithium-ion battery pack which is expected to have a range of up to 240 km

    Ola Electric acquired Dutch-based Etergo electric scooter manufacturer last year and is working on building what is expected to be the world’s largest scooter factory. The company has tied up with Siemens to built the aforementioned factory in Tamil Nadu with an investment of INR 2,400 cr. The Ola electric scooter is expected to be launched in India sometime in second half of 2021.
    Ola electric scooter
    The Etergo AppScooter aka Ola electric scooter has been spotted testing at what looks like a private test facility in India. The camouflaged prototypes are identical to the international version in terms of styling and equipment. The scooter adopts a sleek bodywork with LED headlight, an unconventional single telescopic front suspension, alloy wheels, etc.
    The final specifications of the electric powertrain are not clear as of now but the AppScooter’s removable lithium-ion battery configuration is expected to be retained. Depending on the number of cells used, the scooter’s maximum range can be up to 240 km on a single charge. The 0-45 kmph comes in about 3.9 seconds and the scooter has an estimated top speed of around 100 kmph.
    Ola may make some noticeable changes to the AppScooter to make is more suitable for the Indian market and to keep the costs in check. There could also be multiple variants with different battery sizes to cover a wider range of audience.
    Ola Electric Scooter Spied
    Features
    Being a premium product, the Ola electric scooter will feature LED headlamp, LED tailight, alloy wheels, front disc brake, colour TFT instrument display with smartphone connectivity features, a dedicated smartphone app to interact with the scooter and so on.
    We expect the scooter to be priced upward to INR 1 lakh (ex-showroom). Intended rivals will be Ather 450X, Bajaj e-Chetak, TVS iQube and a whole other premium electric scooters that are on their way to our market.
    Manufacturing
    Upon completion, Ola Electric’s Tamil Nadu plant is said to generate 10,000 employment opportunities and have an installed annual production capacity of 2 million units. In addition to serving the promising Indian electric scooter market, the upcoming factory will also manufacture Ola electric scooter for international markets with focus on Europe, Asia and Latin America.
    As of now, achieving large scale production from the get go has been a challenge for the e-mobility startups in the country but with massive investment in the factory, Ola seems to have this issue covered (provided supply chain infrastructure is sorted as well). Kick starting retail operations across the country from day one would help Ola slingshot ahead of its rivals who are trying a phase-wise launch due to production and supply chain constraints.
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    Balan Engineering Launches 6 New Electric Vehicles – Rickshaw, Loader, Push Cart

    Balan Electric Vehicles Launched
    The vehicles are currently produced at the company’s Bengaluru plant but production will soon shift to a larger manufacturing facility in Bagalkot District, Karnataka

    Balan Engineering, a Bengaluru based automaker has introduced 6 electric vehicles in various segments. These EVs are designed for individuals and companies with special focus on cargo transport, agriculture and civic amenities.
    The 6 electric vehicles were unveiled by Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Shri.Jagdish Shettar at Hotel Lalith Ashok, Bengaluru while Shri. Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers, Govt. of India and Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Minister of MSME, Govt. of India attended the launch virtually.
    Balan Engineering New Bagalkot Plant
    The 6 electric vehicles launched include a Loader-Vishwas, Garbage Vehicle-Swach Rath, Passenger Rickshaw B5, a Sanitizing Vehicle, Fumigation Vehicle and Push Cart-Kamala. Each of these vehicles will play a major role in boosting rural economy. They are durable and sturdy for taking on challenging road conditions and all come in with 4 year company warranty on battery and motor controller.
    The Bengaluru production plant currently has capacity of 300-400 units per month. With Balan Engineering set to enter into manufacture and assembly of a range of electric vehicles, the company plans to set up operations in Bagalkot in Karnataka from where production will commence once the factory is competed in the next 6-9 months.
    Balan Electric Vehicles Launched
    Once production shifts to Bagalkot which is spread over a land are of 25 acres, the Bengaluru facility will be used exclusively for servicing of vehicles. Investment into the Bagalkot plant is at Rs.50 crores being allotted in two phases. Initial capacity is set at around 25,000 units per annum which can be extended to 50,000 vehicles. The Bagalkot plant will help generate around 200 direct and 300 indirect jobs initially.
    The company will not only use this facility for the production of EVs under their own brand but is also in talks with other EV makers for a tie up for production under their names.
    Balan Engineering EVs
    The EVs being produced by Balan Engineering include cargo, transport and rickshaws for rural population. The Garbage Vehicle-Swach Rath will be used for garbage collection while electric push carts will be beneficial to fruit and vegetable vendors and the sanitizing and fumigation vehicles will take care of civic amenities in rural areas.
    Balan Electric Vehicles Launched
    Each of these vehicles are Made-in-India products and in line with the Government of India’s Atmanirbar Bharat. Balan Engineering has also entered into alliance with reputed motor and battery suppliers. The location of the Bagalkot plant is such that it is at the tri-junction from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Maharashtra and will help the company focus on these and other south Indian markets. More

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    2021 Benelli TRK 502 ADV Launch Price Rs 4.8 L – Bookings Open At Rs 10k

    2021 Benelli TRK 502
    BS6 updated Benelli TRK 502 is priced aggressively – This is introductory ex-sh price

    Benelli has expanded its BS6 lineup in India by introducing its adventure tourer TRK 502 in India. The updated TRK 502 has been reached dealerships across the country. The latest iteration of the tourer bike will not only have cleaner emissions but will feature several new updates.
    The middleweight ADV is priced from Rs 4.79 lakh ex-sh for the Grey colour and Rs 4.89 lakhs for the Red and White colour option. All prices are introductory, and ex-sh. TRK lineup consists of two new models- 502 and 502X, the latter being an even more off-road biased model. 502X has not been launched today, it is expected to be launched at a later date.
    Updated Design & Features
    The new 502 for India is starkly different from the updated TRK 502 which recently made its debut internationally. However, some of its design elements are borrowed from the international-spec model. For starters, the updated TRK 502 will receive reinforced aluminium frame knuckle guards, redesigned rearview mirrors and new handlebar grips.
    Furthermore, Benelli will be offering new backlit switches on handlebars for better convenience. The updated adventure motorcycle will come with a new semi-digital instrument console with an orange backlit LCD along with a white back-lit analogue tachometer.
    Mr. Vikas Jhabakh MD Benelli India with 2021 Benelli TRK 502
    Although it displays the same set of information displayed on the previous unit. Interestingly, these new updates are in line with its international sibling which debuted recently.
    Other notable changes include a new front mudguard finished in body colour instead of a blacked-out piece on the older TRK 502. Overall, design of the updated TRK 502 bears resemblance to its BS4 counterpart. Its traditional beak and seat along with the pillion grab rail and tail rack have been carried over from its predecessor.
    Although the seat’s profile is narrower and mounting for a pannier box is also different now. The new seat profile will help shorter riders manoeuvre this seemingly large bike in tight corners.
    2021 Benelli TRK 502
    Hardware carried over
    Underpinnings have been carried over from the outgoing model. Suspension setup is inverted USD forks at front and a rear mono-shock at rear. Alloy wheels wrapped around by road-biased tyres will be usual for the standard TRK 502. Stopping power will come from twin discs with radial caliper up front and a single disc at rear which will be assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard.
    Powertrain Specs & Expected Price
    The updated TRK 502 will feature the same 499.6cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine as in its predecessor although it will comply with the latest BS6 emission norms. In its BS6 guise, this powertrain will be capable enough to generate 46.8 bhp at 8,500rpm and 46 Nm at 6,000rpm. This unit will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. It is positioned between KTM 390 Adventure and Kawasaki Versys 650.
    2021 Benelli TRK 502 Specs
    Mr. Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director, Benelli India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the BS-VI TRK 502. It is the perfect amalgamation of an innovative technological phenomenon, unmatched ergonomics, enhanced functionality and uncompromised quality. With the transition to BS-VI norms, we are confident in further strengthening our footprint in the premium touring segment.”
    He further added, “We are working towards expanding our dealership reach and will continue to add more models in the BS-VI format over the course of the year 2021, ensuring that there is something for every biking enthusiast in the Benelli portfolio.” More

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    TVS Sales, Exports Break Up Dec 2020 – Jupiter, Apache, Ntorq, XL 100

    Image – RJ TVS
    TVS Motor Company ended the year 2020 with positive domestic sales and exports

    TVS Motor Company, a leading two and three wheeler maker in India, released their sales figures for December 2020. It may be seen from the attached table that positive results were noted both in terms of domestic sales and exports.
    The company sold 1,76,912 units in domestic markets in the past month, up 12.51 percent as against 1,57,244 units sold in Dec 2019. Lead sellers in India included the XL 100 moped while the Jupiter and Apache also appealed to a wide range of buyers in the country.
    XL 100 sales topped the list with 59,923 units sold in the past month, up 31.21 percent as against 45,669 units sold in Dec 19. TVS XL 100 commands a 33.87 percent share in total sales. TVS Motor has also just released an XL 100 Winner Edition in India with a price tag of Rs. 49,599. This makes it Rs. 400 more expensive than the XL 100 i-Touch Special Edition.
    The TVS Jupiter scooter also noted increased sales in the past month, up 6.22 percent to 38,435 units, up from 36,184 units sold in Dec 19. Earlier this month, TVS also introduced a new variant of the Jupiter called SMW – Sheet Metal White. It is priced at Rs.63,497.
    TVS Sales Dec 2020
    TVS Apache and Ntorq
    The Apache and Ntorq also ended the year with positive growth, up 30.70 percent and 22.19 percent respectively as did the TVS Sport which has seen growth of 132.64 percent to 7,412 units sold in Dec 20 as against 3,186 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
    TVS Radeon and Pep+ along with the Zest scooter failed to gain any traction in domestic markets in Dec 20. All three models posted de-growth while sales of the TVS Star City increased 206.47 percent to 3,742 units, up from 1,221 units sold in Dec 19.
    The RR310 also noted a significant increase in demand with a 131.58 percent growth to 176 units, up from 76 units sold in Dec 19. The new iQube electric scooter also got delivered to 58 buyers in Dec 20. TVS had discontinued the Wego and Victor scooters early last year.
    TVS Exports Dec 2020
    TVS Exports up 42.30 percent
    Taking exports into account, the company noted a 42.30 percent YoY growth with positive sales across most model. Total exports in the past month stood at 80,060 units, a total of 23,799 units up from 56,261 units exported in Dec 19. The Star City 125 was a major draw in export markets.
    Exports of the Star City 125 stood at 26,359 units, up 62.39 percent as against 16,232 units exported in Dec 19. This scooter commands a 32.92 percent share in global markets. The Star City, Apache, Sport and Ntorq also noted positive exports with the Apache experiencing the most growth of 143.08 percent to 13,051 units in the past month.
    TVS XL and Victor exports also increased as did the Jupiter by 800 percent to 234 units, up from just 26 units exported in Dec 19. TVS Radeon exports ended in de-growth in Dec 20 down 31.58 percent to 520 units, from 760 units exported in Dec 19. More

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    MG ZS Electric Subscription Offer Launched At Rs 50k Per Month

    MG ZS Electric Subscription
    One of the best selling electric car in India, MG ZS EV is now available via subscription

    To make it easier for customers to experience its pure electric SUV without the hassles of ownership and paperwork, MG Motor has launched subscription plans for ZS EV. This is part of ‘MG Subscribe’ platform, which already has Hector SUV available on subscription.
    Addition of ZS EV on the subscription platform is in line with the company’s focus to provide dynamic mobility solutions to customers. It is part of MG’s long-term strategy of CASE (Connected – Autonomous – Shared – Electric), which is designed to suit evolving customer needs and industry trends.
    MG ZS EV subscription plan details
    Subscription plans for MG ZS EV have been launched in partnership with Zoomcar and Orix. A self-drive car rental company, Zoomcar has presence in 45 cities across India. It will be providing high-end technology solutions that will power the ‘MG Subscribe’ platform.
    Orix will function as MG’s vehicle deployment partner and will make available ZS EV to customers on subscription. It is to note that Orix is India’s largest shared mobility platform.
    MG ZS Electric Subscription
    Initially, subscription plans for MG ZS EV will be available in four cities – Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune. Based on market response, the service can be introduced in other cities as well.
    Customers who subscribe soon stand to gain, as the subscription plans for ZS EV are currently available under an inaugural offer of Rs 49,999 per month in Mumbai. This is applicable on 36-month subscription plan. Similarly, there are flexible tenure options of 12, 18, and 24 months.
    Customers will have the option to choose between self-use subscription plans and shared subscribe. In the former, customers will be using the car for their own use and bear the entire cost of subscription. In shared subscribe, customers can share the car with others when they are not using it. This will allow them to reduce their monthly subscription fee in a proportionate manner.
    MG ZS EV subscription plan – key benefits
    Subscription plans for MG ZS EV are designed to eliminate all the hassles of owning and operating a car. That means no worries about insurance, maintenance, vehicle taxes, and paperwork. Customers don’t even have to pay down-payment when they choose the subscription plan. They also don’t have to stress about things like selling a used car. Moreover, users can avail tax benefits on the monthly amount paid as subscription fee.
    With evolving customer preferences, car subscription plans are gaining popularity across the country. As of now, most carmakers such as Tata Motors (Nexon EV subscription starts from Rs 30k per month), Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Mahindra, Renault, Volkswagen, and Hyundai have dedicated subscription plans for their customers. More